Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Shiloh Shepherd Dog?

The Shiloh Shepherd dog is a relatively new breed. They were started around 1960 by breeding German Shepherds with Malamutes. The goal was to produce a larger, sounder dog with the beauty and intelligence of the German Shepherd founding stock. Some mistakenly believe that a Shiloh Shepherd is simply a large German Shepherd Dog. Shilohs are not giant German Shepherds but a separate rare breed.

Check out Shiloh Shepherds on Wikipedia for additional information.

How big do they get?

Shiloh Shepherd males are usually 110 to 130 pounds and 30 - 31" tall (measured from the floor to the top of their shoulders). Females range from 80 to 120 pounds and are 26 - 28" tall. Shilohs are big dogs, but Glorious Kennel's focus is on breeding for a great temperament and health as well as the size.

How long do they live?

A healthy dog will live approximately 10 to 14 years, very similar to a German Shepherd.

What type of temperament do they have?

Shilohs make an excellent protector for families and children. Because of their mild, friendly and loving temperament, they interact very well with children, other dogs, cats and animals. In our Shiloh Photo Gallery, you'll find pictures of dogs who came from Glorious Kennel who now live happily with children, ponies and bobcats.

Are they working dogs?

Because of their gentle temperament, Shilohs are not appropriate for police work. On the other hand, they are very good for therapy work and search and rescue. People call them "gentle giants".

How much exercise do they need?

Shilohs love being outside and like most big dogs require plenty of exercise to burn off energy and stay healthy. Our Shilohs like nothing better than to run and chase squirrels in our 1.5 acre fenced yard. They are not suited to apartment living or homes with small yards.

What are common health problems with Shiloh Shepherds?

Bloat can be a problem in all large dogs including Shilohs. Hip dysplasia can also be a concern.

Here are some other web sites you may find useful for researching health issues in large dogs: The Pet Center for health related questions, Pet Education for general information on raising and caring for a pet, and Entirely Pets for good prices on pet care products, medications and supplies.

We welcome you to contact Dr. Robert Hutchison at Animal Clinic Northview, the Glorious Kennel veterinarian. He knows all of our dogs well and will assure you we make it a priority to give them the best health care possible.

What specific food and vitamins do you recommend?

We use and strongly recommend Canidae and Taste of the Wild dog food. Both of these companies provide good quality natural food made from human grade ingredients for all stages of life.

We also recommend Nuvet Vitamins and here is a Letter of Recommendation. These vitamins provide everything your dog needs for perfect health from puppies to senior dogs. When ordering from Nuvet, use order code 40439 for a discounted price.

Are they good with children or other pets?

Shiloh Shepherds are gentle giants and can be trusted around children and other pets. They are very tolerant of children and readily adjust to being with other pets. This is one of the reasons we selected to breed this particular dog. Our Miniature Bulldogs and Shiloh Shepherds are best buddies. As you'll see in pictures in the Shiloh Photo Gallery, Shilohs from Glorious Kennel share their home happily with ponies, bobcats and children.

What type of coats and colors do they have?

The colors of a Shiloh Shepherd can be black & tan, black & cream, black & sliver, solid black and the frequently seen sable.

At Glorious Kennel, our focus is on breeding for plush coats (long hair) although Shiloh Shepherds can have smooth coats (short hair) as well.

Can Shilohs compete in Agility Competitions?

Absolutely. Check out the pictures of Major who came from Glorious Kennel.

How can I buy a puppy?

You can start by exploring this Glorious Kennel website. We encourage you to research other breeders. After doing so, we believe you will come back to us to buy a Glorious Shiloh Shepherd Puppy.

Consider using this Breeder Interview Checklist containing questions we ask when looking to purchase a puppy to add to Glorious Kennel. We also encourage you to search the internet for information on the kennel or club to make sure you are dealing with a reputable breeder. Please do your homework before you send a deposit. Be aware, cheap puppies are cheap for a reason.

Where can I see a Shiloh Shepherd in person?

Glorious Kennel always welcomes visitors. Just give us a call to set up an appointment or if you have more questions: (440) 729-4397. Check out the Contact Us page for a google map of our location and to get specific directions.

Is there a registry?

There are several registries for the Shiloh Shepherd Dog because as the breed has developed and more people have come to love and embrace the Shiloh, different opinions have arisen about how best to serve the breed. All puppies from Glorious Kennel come with pedigree papers and are registered with NSBR (National Shiloh Breed Registry).The breed is also recognized by ARBA (American Rare Breed Association).